Just like last time, the atmosphere was somewhat silent.
Concubine Yun ordered her maid, "It's time to serve the meal."
While waiting for the meal to be served, Concubine Yun finally spoke after taking a few sips of tea: "Have you read a lot of books?"
Ren Yaoqi glanced at Concubine Yun. Unsure of her intention in asking this question, she could only answer cautiously, "I've read some of the books in my father's study."
Concubine Yun nodded: "You have a good memory."
Ren Yaoqi blinked. Unable to figure out whether Concubine Yun was complimenting her, she could only smile, not knowing how to respond.
Concubine Yun seemed to notice Ren Yaoqi's cautiousness in front of her and didn't want to ask any more questions. So the three of them started drinking tea again.
Fortunately, the meal was quickly served, and Concubine Yun led them to their seats. There were only three of them dining, but the dishes filled the eight-person table.
Concubine Yun was a quiet woman. The maid behind her smiled and said, "Princess, do you think today's dishes are to your liking?"
Xiao Jinglin nodded and said, "Mostly what I like to eat."
The maid smiled and said, "This was done by the Queen Dowager herself."
Xiao Jinglin was a little surprised, then quickly said, "Thank you, grandma."
Concubine Yun nodded without saying anything. She picked up an eggplant box first and signaled Xiao Jinglin and Ren Yaoqi that they could start eating.
The maid must have been used to serving Concubine Yun. She looked very approachable with a smile on her face. She said to Ren Yaoqi, "Miss Ren, please tell me what dishes you like. I will write them down. The next time you dine at Concubine Yun's place, I will ask the kitchen to make something you like."
Ren Yaoqi was almost flattered when he heard this.
The maid's words were obviously meant to show her closeness to her. She was Concubine Yun's trusted maid, so she was showing closeness to her on behalf of Concubine Yun.
Ren Yaoqi glanced at the silent Concubine Yun and replied carefully, "I'm not picky about food. I like everything the princess likes to eat."
The maid smiled sweetly upon hearing this and came forward to help her serve a bowl of soup.
During the meal, Concubine Yun didn't say a few words from beginning to end. Ren Yaoqi and Xiao Jinglin didn't talk much either. The three of them finished the meal in silence.
After lunch, the maids helped them wash their hands and rinse their mouths, and then served them tea.
Concubine Yun didn't ask them to leave, so they followed Concubine Yun to the side room and continued to drink tea.
When they had almost finished their tea, Concubine Yun suddenly asked her maid, "Go and get the things."
The maidservant responded and withdrew. After a while, she came out with a pair of red lacquer carved boxes.
"Give one to each of them." Concubine Yun said calmly.
Then Ren Yaoqi put a six-inch square red lacquer carved and cloisonné-inlaid box in his hand, which was a bit heavy in his hand.
Ren Yaoqi glanced at Xiao Jinglin with a questioning look. Xiao Jinglin shook her head at her, indicating that she didn't know what was going on.
The maid smiled and said, "Princess and Miss Ren, please open it and take a look."
Ren Yaoqi and Xiao Jinglin opened the boxes in their hands upon hearing this. Ren Yaoqi looked down and was stunned. Inside the box were some head ornaments and jewelry. Ren Yaoqi didn't examine them closely, but the gemstones inlaid on the golden hairpin on top were of excellent quality.
"Grandma, what's this?" Xiao Jinglin raised her eyebrows and asked.
Concubine Yun said, "I don't need them. You can wear them."
Ren Yaoqi was really flattered now. She almost thought that her previous feeling that Concubine Yun disliked her was just an illusion.
Concubine Yun paused and continued, "I know you don't need these, but after all, they are a token of our elders' kindness, so please accept them."
Xiao Jinglin looked at Concubine Yun, then glanced at Ren Yaoqi, then smiled and accepted the box: "Thank you, Grandma."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com